Sport shoe with independently mobile toe segments and an outsole with protrusions

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear is provided including at least an upper, an outsole with protrusions, and a segmented toe region. The protrusions underneath the outsole provide the grip, traction, and anti-slipping features desirable in certain field sports or other activities. The segmented toe region comprises a plurality of compartments, providing autonomous, mobility, and flexibility for individual toes.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is in the technical field of footwear. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of sports footwear.

Sports footwear and regular footwear are constantly changing. There are many categories of footwear that range from balance to stability and long distance running to tennis shoes. Each category of footwear has a specific functionality. There has been recent popularity with the barefoot shoe, which articulates the toes in the footwear. These are meant to be worn in the gym, with daily activity, and even to the office. Sports footwear is only worn on the field and the basic structure has not been exposed to the barefoot shoe style. The closed toe style of sports footwear allows for certain functionality but it decreases the natural mobility in the foot and thus the athletic potential of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide an article of footwear that comprises independently mobile toe segments or groups of toes, and a plurality of protrusions on the bottom portion of the shoe. By wearing this footwear, the user's toes can work independently from each other, or in groups, creating a footwear with improved athletic performance and comfort.

Furthermore, the toe region of the footwear may be configured in a number of ways. In one embodiment, for example, the toe region provides five separate compartments, which provide independent room for the user's individual toes. In other embodiments, however, the toe region may provide less than five compartments.

The protrusions at the bottom of the footwear may be designed to take different shapes, be made in different materials, and be assembled at different positions on the outsole, in order to provide better grip depending on the surface or field for a particular sport. For example, the footwear may be designed for soccer, football, baseball, golf, track and field, water sports, hiking, bicycling, etc. The configuration of protrusions may be designed differently according to the particular needs of the sport.

One embodiment is an article of athletic footwear, comprising: an exterior outsole attached underneath said footwear; wherein said exterior outsole includes a plurality of protrusions mounted underneath said exterior outsole; each said protrusion is formed in a short conical frustum shape with a tip that is smaller than its base; each said protrusion is attached to said exterior outsole through said base of protrusion; said smaller tip of said protrusion creates downward engaging force when said user steps on the field surface; each of said base has a larger cross section area than the corresponding tip of said protrusion, thereby transferring the upward force from the protrusion-ground contact, spreading out said force into said exterior outsole evenly, and absorbing energy from the impact of user's foot striking the ground, thereby preventing point pressure from penetrating upward into said user's foot; said protrusions are arranged along the peripheral edge region of the exterior outsole, mounted at locations including at least underneath the ball, underneath the plantar arch, and underneath the heel of said user's foot; wherein said exterior outsole further comprises a structure configured along a longitudinal axis of said exterior outsole to stabilize and support said user's foot by connecting the front to rear portions of said exterior outsole; wherein said exterior outsole further comprises a structure along a transverse axis of said exterior outsole, configured to facilitate the flexion of said user's foot; an interior midsole bonded to and located above said exterior outsole, wherein said interior midsole provides cushion and support for said user's foot; an upper attached to said exterior outsole, wherein said upper and said interior midsole define a main compartment configured to receive said user's foot; a toe region configured to receive toes of said user's foot, wherein said toe region is defined by the front portion of said upper and said interior midsole, comprising: five toe compartments, each shaped as an individual volume to receive one of said user's individual toes separately; wherein a first toe compartment is configured to receive said user's big toe, wherein said first toe compartment is curved slightly upwards, with the tip of said first toe compartment elevated relative to the bottom surface of said exterior outsole; wherein the four remaining toe compartments are curved slightly downward, allowing the other four toes of said user's foot to maintain their natural posture when said user stands on the ground; wherein each of said five toe compartments comprises: (1) an upper and sidewalls made of stretchable, breathable material; (2) a bottom, which is part of said exterior outsole; (3) a front portion of said exterior outsole that extends from the bottom area and wraps around the exterior front end portion of said toe compartments to protect said user's toes from force of contact with external objects and the ground; and (4) a transverse flexion feature on said exterior outsole, located between the forefoot and midfoot regions, such that each of said toe compartments enables each of said user's toes to flex in an independent and free fashion; a heel cup at the rear portion of said footwear, wrapping around the heel of said user's foot, configured to provide cushioning and support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a lateral side perspective view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a lateral side elevation view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a medial side elevation view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an individual protrusion according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a lateral side perspective view of an individual toe according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a lateral side elevation view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1 to FIG. 11 there is shown an article of footwear 10. FIG. 1 is a lateral side perspective view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention. The most basic structure of the article of footwear 10 is comprised of an upper 12, an outsole 16, and a segmented toe region.

In at least one embodiment shown in FIG. 1 (and FIG. 8 for the bottom view), the toe region 36 comprises five autonomous segments (or compartments) for the user's five toes, allowing each toe to move independently. The autonomous mobility of individual toes is desirable in a number ways such as offering flexibility, enhancing performance, improving comfort, preventing injuries, etc. As a result, this invention gives the user a barefoot feel when wearing this footwear. By regaining natural mobility in the foot, the user can gain more athletic potential when play sports.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the outsole 16 includes a plurality of protrusions 18. The main function of the protrusions 18 underneath the footwear 10 is to provide grip on the field, enhance traction, and prevent slipping. This feature is desirable for certain field sports or other uses, such as on a grass field, on a wet surface, on a hiking trail, on a rocky or muddy surface, etc. In at least one embodiment, the protrusions 18 are integral parts of the outsole 16, i.e., they may be manufactured as one part by molding. In another embodiment, the protrusions 18 are members that are separate from the outsole 16 and can be mounted, removed, or replaced. The protrusions 18 can be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, or metal.

As FIG. 1 shows, in one embodiment, the article of footwear 10 is fastened together using a fastening configuration 14, which can take various forms, e.g. shoe laces, a buckle, Velcro, snapping mechanism, or elastic band (as a slip on). In one embodiment, the fastening configuration 14 is located at the center of the upper 12. In another embodiment, the fastening configuration 14 is located at the lateral side of the upper 12, which is a more ergonomic design because it helps reduce the downward pressure that the fastening configuration 14 applies to the user's foot. The fastening configuration 14 is one option to stabilize the user's feet in the article of footwear 10. The fastening configuration 14 may also be made of different color, material and geometry.

FIG. 2 is a lateral side elevation view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a medial side elevation view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a top view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a front view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a rear view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 further showcase the embodiment where the fastening configuration 14 is located at the lateral side of the upper 12. As seen in FIG. 4, at the top of the upper 12, there is a padded collar 20 around the opening that is for inserting the user's foot. The padded collar 20 creates a semi-enclosure with a width slightly shorter than the width of the article of footwear 10 and a length that is approximately ⅓ the length of the article of footwear 10.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an article of footwear according to at least one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the outsole 16 is bonded to the upper 12 through a midsole 22. In one embodiment, the top of the outsole 16 is a bonding area, e.g. the outsole 16 may be adhesively bonded to the midsole 22 through the bonding area 24. The outsole 16 bonds to the upper 12 through the bonding area 24, decreasing the amount of material compared to a traditional shoe; this keeps the article of footwear 10 light and more mobile. In one embodiment, a cleat assembly is adhesively bonded to the outsole, making the footwear in this embodiment particularly suitable for sports such as soccer, football, baseball, etc.

In one embodiment, there is an insole (not shown in the FIG. 7) within the compartment that is formed by the upper and the midsole. The insole may be a traditional one that can be removed and inserted. In another embodiment, there is no insole that is inserted and separate from the midsole. Instead, the midsole provides an upper surface that may provide the same function as insole. For example, the material of the midsole's upper may be similar with that of an insole, such that contact with the user's foot is comfortable and feels essentially the same as with an insole.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an article of footwear 10 according to at least one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the outsole 16 is further broken down into segmented parts for better functionality. Sequentially, the heel region 28 leads to the mid-foot region 30, which gives way to the fore-foot region 32, the flexure region 34, and then the toe region 36. This segmented configuration of the outsole 16 allows for greater mobility and control from the user and more flowing movement.

In further detail, still referring to FIG. 8, the toe region 36 is approximately ⅕ to ¼ the length of the article of footwear 10 and collectively span the width of the article of footwear 10. The upper 12, the midsole 22 and the outsole 16 span the length and width of the article of footwear 10. The outsole 16 is further broken down, starting proximally at the heel region, which is approximately ¾ the width and ¼ the length of the article of footwear 10, going into the mid-foot region 30, which is approximately ⅖ the width and ⅙ the length of the article of footwear 10, then into the forefoot region 32, which is approximately ⅘ the width and ⅓ the length of the article of footwear 10, then into the flexure region 34, which is approximately ⅕ the width and 1/12 the length of the article of footwear 10, and most distally into the toe region 36, which is approximately ⅕ the width and ⅙ the length of the article of footwear 10. The fastening configuration 14 is approximately ⅕ the width and ⅓ the length of the article of footwear 10.

The outsole 16 holds a plurality of protrusions 18. The protrusions 18 can be configured in a number of ways. FIG. 8 demonstrates at least one embodiment of the geometry, where the protrusions are assembled in the mid region and the heel regions.

In another embodiment (not shown in FIG. 8), the plurality of protrusions 18 are further assembled at the bottom of the toe region. This gives the user a better grip of the ground, especially when the user needs speedy movement such as sprinting. The user will be able to obtain a more powerful push against the ground because during a sprint, the toe region is the last region that leaves the ground, therein propelling the user forward.

The plurality of protrusions 18 forms a system used for field sports footwear for better traction. In yet another embodiment (not shown in FIG. 8), the plurality of protrusions 18 may be assembled according to a different geometry, in order to accommodate and adjust to the user's different needs in various conditions. As an example, the user's needs for a soccer cleat will be different on a dry field versus a wet field on rainy days.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an individual protrusion according to at least one embodiment of the invention. Each of the protrusions are approximately 1/20 the width and 1/20 the length of the article of footwear 10. In different embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 18 may be either fixed as an integral part of the outsole 16, or detachable, or even replaceable. As shown in FIG. 9, the protrusion is a member that engages downwardly to the field, which enhances the traction and grip.

The plurality of protrusions 18 may be designed to take different shapes, be made in different materials, and be assembled at different positions on the outsole, in order to provide better grip depending on the surface or field for a particular sport. For example, the article of footwear 10 showcased in FIGS. 8 and 9 may be most suitable for soccer. In another embodiment (not shown in the figures), the footwear 10 may be designed for other sports. For example, the intended use may be for football, baseball, golf, track and field, water sports, hiking, bicycling, etc. The configuration of protrusions may be designed differently according to the particular needs of the sport. For instance, to be used as golf shoes, the protrusions may take the shape of spikes. To be used for track and field, the protrusions may be shaped like spikes but only assembled in the forefoot and/or toes regions of the outsole. To be used as a hiking shoe, it may require a much larger number of protrusions densely mounted on the outsole 16. These embodiments are not shown in the figures but should enable one of ordinary skill to make and use them.

FIG. 10 is a lateral side perspective view of an individual toe according to at least one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, a toe 38 may have traction padding 26 that covers at least some of the toe's surfaces that will be in contact with the field. The traction padding 26 under the toe 38 will allow for better traction. The traction padding 26 spans the length and width of the underside of the toe 38. In some embodiments, the traction padding 26 also spans the vertical front portion of the toe 38. The traction padding 26 can be of different shape, color and material. In some embodiments, the traction padding 26 may be absent.

FIG. 11 is a lateral side elevation view of an article of footwear according to another embodiment of the invention, showing a different grouping of toes from FIG. 1. For the sake of simplicity, fastening configuration 14 is not shown in FIG. 11; as previously explained, there are multiple options available. As shown in FIG. 11, the geometry of the groups of toes in this embodiment is differentiated from the previous embodiments. In FIG. 1, there are five autonomous segments (or compartments) for the user's five toes, allowing each toe to move independently. In some sports or for some intended uses, however, having five autonomous compartments for the toes may be redundant and affect the user's comfort. Therefore, as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 11, there are two segments or compartments for the toes. One compartment is for the user's big toe. The other compartment is for the remaining four toes, grouped together. This way, the segmented toes design could offer both enhanced performance and comfort in some sports and uses. In yet another embodiment (not shown in FIG. 1 or 11), there are three compartments—a first compartment for the user's big toe, a second compartment for the second toe, and the third compartment for the remaining three toes.

Still referring to the invention in FIG. 1 to FIG. 11, the article of footwear 10, which is comprised of the upper 12, the midsole 22 and the outsole 16, are worn to protect the feet of the user. The construction details of the article of footwear 10 may vary, e.g. different color, material and geometry. The outsole 16 may be made of different materials (leather, rubber, plastic, metal, synthetic), color, or geometry. Each region of the outsole 16 (heel 28, mid-foot 30, fore-foot 32, flexure 34, toe 36) can be different sizes, geometry and materials as well.

The advantages of the present invention, without limitation, are the new design and obviously differentiated from previous footwear. The present invention is more malleable to field sports than just a regular barefoot shoe, allowing for more athleticism than current field sports footwear. With the present invention the user can attain more power, balance, endurance, agility, flexibility, usability of toes, and better skill, just from the added mobility of their toes. The device is primarily used to increase the somatosensory signals from the feet to the brain, producing truer athletic results. The toes and feet were meant to be used exactly how they are designed; in which case, the current field-sport enclosed shoe decreases the ability of the whole foot to act in the user's favor. This new invention fixes the limitations caused by the current field-sport enclosed shoe.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

1. An article of footwear, comprising: an exterior outsole, which comprises a plurality of protrusions mounted to a bottom portion of said exterior outsole; an interior midsole bonded to and located above said exterior outsole, wherein said interior midsole provides cushion and support for said user's foot; an upper attached to said exterior outsole, wherein said upper and said interior midsole define a main compartment configured to receive said user's foot; a toe region configured to receive toes of said user's foot, wherein said toe region is defined by the front portion of said upper and said interior midsole, and further comprises a plurality of toe compartments, each configured to receive at least one of said user's individual toes; and a heel cup at the rear portion of said footwear, wrapping around the heel of said user's foot, configured to provide cushioning and support.
 2. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said exterior outsole is the bottom portion of said footwear and further comprises: a plurality of protrusions mounted to a bottom portion of said exterior outsole; each said protrusion having a short conical frustum shape; each said protrusion comprising a tip portion that is smaller than a base portion thereof; each said protrusion is attached to said exterior outsole through said base of protrusion; said protrusions are arranged along the peripheral edge region of the exterior outsole, at locations at least underneath the ball, plantar arch, and heel of said user's foot; and said protrusions are configured for creating a downward engaging force when said user steps on a field surface.
 3. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said exterior outsole further comprises: a first structure along a longitudinal axis of said exterior outsole that connects a front portion to a rear portion of said exterior outsole to stabilize and support said user's foot; and said exterior outsole further comprising a second structure along a transverse axis of said exterior outsole to facilitate the flexion of said user's foot.
 4. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said plurality of toe compartments comprises: a first toe compartment configured to receive said user's big toe, wherein said first toe compartment is curved slightly upwards, with the tip of said first toe compartment elevated relative to the bottom surface of said exterior outsole; and the remaining toe compartments are curved slightly downward, allowing the other four toes of said user's foot to maintain their natural posture when said user stands on the ground.
 5. The footwear of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of toe compartments comprises: an upper and sidewalls made of stretchable, breathable material; a bottom, which is part of said exterior outsole; a front portion of said exterior outsole that extends from the bottom area and wraps around the exterior front end portion of said toe compartments to protect said user's toes from force of contact with external objects and the ground; and a transverse flexion feature on said exterior outsole, located between the forefoot and midfoot regions, such that each of said toe compartments enables each of said user's toes to flex in an independent and free fashion.
 6. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising: a fastening configuration; wherein said fastening configuration is located at the top or the lateral side of the upper; wherein said fastening configuration comprises one of shoe laces, a buckle, Velcro, snap, or elastic band.
 7. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said protrusions are made of one of plastic, rubber, or metal.
 8. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said upper further comprising: an opening that allows a foot to be inserted into the athletic footwear; wherein said opening comprises a padded collar.
 9. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising: an insole; wherein said insole is inserted inside the athletic footwear and provides contact with the user's foot.
 10. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising: a midsole; wherein said midsole provides additional cushion and support.
 11. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said outsole further comprising: a bonding area located at the top of the outsole; wherein the outsole is bonded to the midsole through said bonding area.
 12. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising a traction padding at the bottom of the toe region.
 13. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said protrusions are configured for the sport of soccer.
 14. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said structure in exterior outsole is a support bar along the longitudinal axis, configured to stabilize and support said user's foot by connecting the front to rear portions of said exterior outsole.
 15. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said structure of said exterior outsole comprises a plurality of grooves along said transverse axis, configured to facilitate the flexion of said user's foot.
 16. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said toe region further comprises five toe compartments, each shaped as an individual volume to receive one of said user's individual toes separately.
 17. The footwear of claim 2, wherein each of said base has a larger cross section area than the corresponding tip of said protrusion, wherein the upward force from protrusion-ground contact is transferred and spread out into said exterior outsole evenly, and energy from impact of user's foot striking the ground is absorbed, wherein point pressure is prevented from penetrating upward into said user's foot. 